Strawberries, or how to create a matrix for testing metals and microplastics in food
Scientists in Poland are developing a plant-based reference material for testing food safety, particularly focusing on strawberries and their leaves, through the MultiBioCRM project.
The article discusses an innovative research project named MultiBioCRM conducted at the Biological and Chemical Sciences Center of the University of Warsaw, which addresses food safety and quality assurance. The project emphasizes the importance of creating reliable reference materials for laboratories to ensure accurate and consistent measurements of food products, particularly in relation to detecting harmful substances such as metals and microplastics.
Researchers are specifically developing a plant-based matrix using strawberries as a reference material. These reference samples are crucial for calibrating and validating analytical devices in laboratories, thereby improving the accuracy of tests carried out on food items. While strawberries are typically associated with desserts, in this context, the focus is on their leaves as a significant component of the study, highlighting a unique aspect of food safety research.
The implications of this research extend beyond the laboratory, as it contributes to enhancing food safety standards and protecting public health. By ensuring that testing methods and laboratory equipment are standardized and accurate, this project represents a significant step towards better quality control in the food industry and increases consumers' confidence in the safety of the food supply.